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From: David Brown <david.brown@hesbynett.no>
Newsgroups: comp.lang.c
Subject: Re: C23 thoughts and opinions
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2024 21:14:08 +0200
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On 03/06/2024 05:21, Lawrence D'Oliveiro wrote:
> On Sun, 2 Jun 2024 11:02:13 +0300, Michael S wrote:
> 
>> Engines control is FAR more real-time that OS, to list just one example
>> out of many.
> 
> Speaking of (internal-combustion) engines, I wondered when we can get to
> the point where the controller is operating down at the level of
> individual spark plug activations and valve openings -- getting rid of
> cams and timing belts, in other words.
> 

You need the mechanics for the valves anyway, so cam shafts are 
convenient.  But AFAIK everything that can be tunable timing is 
controlled by software (microcontrollers with advanced timer 
peripherals) these days, and some engines use electric solenoids for the 
valves.

But I can't claim to know much about how these work.  I know plenty 
about some of the microcontrollers used in the automotive industry, 
including engine controllers, because we use some of these kinds of 
devices (for other purposes).

> With that level of control, could you get down to an idling speed of 0
> rpm? That is, could the engine get itself going from absolute rest?

There are physical limitations that make it difficult to idle an ICE at 
very low revs - it makes more sense to simply stop the engine when it is 
not needed.